U.S. patent application number 15/585077 was filed with the patent office on 2018-11-08 for system and method using interaction token.
The applicant listed for this patent is Venkata Naga Pradeep Kumar Kaja, Vijayaraju Konkathi. Invention is credited to Venkata Naga Pradeep Kumar Kaja, Vijayaraju Konkathi.
Application Number | 20180324184 15/585077 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64015503 |
Filed Date | 2018-11-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180324184 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kaja; Venkata Naga Pradeep Kumar ;
et al. |
November 8, 2018 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD USING INTERACTION TOKEN
Abstract
A communication device may receive input from a user and
initiate generation of an interaction token in response. This
interaction token can be used by the communication device in order
search for a specific resource provider computer from among one or
more resource provider computers, and to initiate a resource
transfer between the user and a specific resource provider,
mediated by a token provider computer.
Inventors: |
Kaja; Venkata Naga Pradeep
Kumar; (Foster City, CA) ; Konkathi; Vijayaraju;
(Union City, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kaja; Venkata Naga Pradeep Kumar
Konkathi; Vijayaraju |
Foster City
Union City |
CA
CA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
64015503 |
Appl. No.: |
15/585077 |
Filed: |
May 2, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 63/10 20130101;
H04L 63/083 20130101; H04W 12/08 20130101; G06Q 20/4018 20130101;
H04L 63/108 20130101; G06Q 2220/00 20130101; H04L 63/0807 20130101;
G06Q 20/38215 20130101; H04W 12/0608 20190101; H04L 63/0428
20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04L 29/06 20060101
H04L029/06; H04W 12/06 20060101 H04W012/06; H04W 12/08 20060101
H04W012/08; G06Q 20/40 20060101 G06Q020/40 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: receiving, by a communication device
operated by a user, user input data comprising a resource
identifier for a resource, a time period to acquire the resource,
and an interaction value; initiating, by the communication device,
generation of an interaction token based at least upon the user
input data; initiating, by the communication device, a search from
among one or more resource provider computers for the resource over
the time period, wherein the search selects a specific resource
provider associated with a specific resource provider computer from
among the one or more resource provider computers, the specific
resource provider providing the resource at a specific value;
determining whether the specific value is less than or equal to the
interaction value; and initiating transmitting, by the
communication device, the interaction token to a specific resource
provider computer associated with the specific resource provider,
wherein the specific resource provider computer processes the
transaction using the interaction token.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: searching, by the
communication device, for value reduction elements that can be
applied to the resource; and providing the value reduction elements
to the specific resource provider computer.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: upon providing, by
the communication device, the identification of the resource to be
acquired and the interaction token to the specific resource
provider computer, initiating, by the resource provider, a transfer
of the resource to be acquired to the user.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the interaction token is a
substitute for a real credential.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the communication device is a
mobile phone.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the interaction token is a
sixteen digit number.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether the specific
value is less than or equal to the interaction value comprises
determining that the specific value is less than or equal to the
interaction value.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether the specific
value is less than or equal to the interaction value comprises
determining that the specific value is not less than or equal to
the interaction value, but is less than a interaction value and a
threshold value, and wherein the method further comprises:
requesting, by the communication device, approval for a transaction
for the resource at the specific value; and receiving, by the
communication device, an approval from the user to conduct the
transaction at the specific value.
9. A communication device comprising: a processor; and a
non-transitory computer readable medium coupled to the processor,
the non-transitory computer readable medium comprising code
executable by the processor for implementing a method comprising:
initiating generation of an interaction token based at least upon
the user input data; initiating a search from among one or more
resource provider computers for the resource over the time period,
wherein the search selects a specific resource provider associated
with a specific resource provider computer from among the one or
more resource provider computers, the specific resource provider
providing the resource at a specific value; determining whether the
specific value is less than or equal to the interaction value; and
initiating transmitting the interaction token to a specific
resource provider computer associated with the specific resource
provider, wherein the specific resource provider computer processes
the transaction using the interaction token.
10. The communication device of claim 9, wherein the method further
comprises: searching for value reduction elements that can be
applied to the resource; and providing the value reduction elements
to the specific resource provider computer.
11. The communication device of claim 9, wherein the method further
comprises: upon providing, by the token provider, the
identification of the resource to be acquired and the user
identification to the specific resource provider computer,
initiating, by the resource provider, a transfer of the resource to
be acquired to the user.
12. The communication device of claim 9, wherein the interaction
token is a substitute for a real credential.
13. The communication device of claim 9, wherein the communication
device is a mobile phone.
14. The communication device of claim 9 further comprising a secure
memory capable of storing the interaction token.
15. The communication device of claim 9, wherein the interaction
token is a 16 digit number.
16. A method comprising: receiving, by a token provider computer
from a communication device, an interaction token request message
comprising user input data comprising a resource identifier for a
resource, a time period to acquire the resource, and an interaction
value; analyzing the user input data; determining, by the token
provider computer, an interaction token based on the user input
data; and transmitting, by the token provider computer, the
interaction token to the communication device.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising prior to determining
the interaction token: transmitting a token approval request
message to an authorizing entity computer; and receiving, a token
approval response message from the authorizing entity.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the communication device is a
mobile phone.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein the interaction token is valid
for a limited time.
20. The method of claim 16, further comprising: encrypting the
interaction token, before transmitting the interaction token.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Interaction tokens are used by the payments industry to
reduce fraud risk. For example, an interaction token can be a
substitute for a primary account number (PAN). If the interaction
token is stolen by an unauthorized person, then the underlying PAN
is still safe and does not have to be replaced. Because they reduce
fraud, interaction tokens improve user and merchant confidence in
the security of payment systems.
[0002] Despite their strengths, interaction tokens still present
fraud risks. Just as a fraudster can improperly obtain a PAN and
use it to make illegitimate purchases, so too could a fraudster
illegally acquire an interaction token and use it to make
illegitimate purchases. As such, there is a need for additional
security and fraud risk reduction.
[0003] Embodiments of the invention address these and other
problems individually and collectively.
SUMMARY
[0004] Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods and
systems for provisioning interaction tokens and initiating resource
transfers.
[0005] One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method. The
method comprises receiving, by a communication device operated by a
user, user input data comprising a resource identifier for a
resource, a time period to acquire the resource, and an interaction
value; initiating, by the communication device, generation of an
interaction token based at least upon the user input data;
initiating, by the communication device, a search from among one or
more resource provider computers for the resource over the time
period, wherein the search selects a specific resource provider
associated with a specific resource provider computer from among
the one or more resource provider computers, the specific resource
provider providing the resource at a specific value; determining
whether the specific value is less than or equal to the interaction
value; and initiating transmitting, by the communication device,
the interaction token and a resource provider identifier for the
specific resource provider computer to a token provider computer,
wherein the token provider computer processes the transaction using
the interaction token.
[0006] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to the
communication device configured or programmed to perform the
above-noted method.
[0007] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method.
The method comprises receiving, by a token provider computer from a
communication device, an interaction token request message
comprising user input data comprising a resource identifier for a
resource, a time period to acquire the resource, and an interaction
value; analyzing the user input data; determining, by the token
provider computer, an interaction token based on the user input
data; and transmitting, by the token provider computer, the
interaction token to the communication device.
[0008] Further details regarding embodiments of the invention can
be found in the Detailed Description and the Figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a system according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a communication device
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a token provider computer
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of an authorizing entity
computer according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIGS. 5A and 5B show a process flow diagram detailing how
devices in a communication network may interact in order to enact a
token provider mediated resource transfer according to embodiments
of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] In embodiments of the invention, a token provider computer
may, in response to a message from a communication device operated
by a user, generate an interaction token that has constraints
associated with user input data in the message. The message may
indicate that the requested interaction token is for the
acquisition of some specific resource, is active or useful over a
defined time period, and has a certain value. The token provider
further may encrypt and transmit the interaction token to the user
communication device. The interaction token may be subsequently
used to conduct a transaction for the specific resource.
[0015] Prior to discussing specific embodiments of the invention,
some terms may be described in detail.
[0016] A "user" can be a person or thing that employs some other
thing for some purpose. A user may include an individual that may
be associated with one or more personal accounts and/or mobile
devices. The user may also be referred to as a cardholder, account
holder, or consumer in some embodiments.
[0017] An "interaction" can be a reciprocal action, effect, or
influence. An interaction, for example, could be an exchange or
transaction between two or more parties.
[0018] A "value" can be some quantity that may be represented with
numbers. An example of a value is a quantity such as a quantity of
money.
[0019] An "interaction value" can be a quantity associated with an
interaction. In some embodiments, an interaction value may be
determined by a user, and may correspond to a preferred or maximum
amount which the user is willing to expend to obtain a particular
resource.
[0020] A "value reduction element" is something which serves to
indicate a reduction in a particular value associated with a
resource to be acquired. Examples of value reduction elements may
include points, coupons, discounts, etc.
[0021] A "resource" is something that may be used by an entity or
transferred between entities. Examples of resources include goods,
services, information, and/or access to a restricted location.
[0022] A "resource identifier" may include an identifier for a
particular resource. Examples of resource identifiers may include
codes that identify resources, descriptions of resources, or any
other data that identifies a resource.
[0023] An "interaction token" may be a substitute for a real
credential. The interaction token can be used in an interaction
between two entities. In some embodiments, an interaction token may
be a substitute for a payment account number, such as a primary
account number (PAN). For example, an interaction token may include
a series of alphanumeric characters that may be used as a
substitute for an original account identifier. For example, an
interaction token "4900 0000 0000 0001" may be used in place of a
PAN "4147 0900 0000 1234." In some embodiments, an interaction
token may be "format preserving" and may have a numeric format that
conforms to the account identifiers used in existing transaction
processing networks (e.g., ISO 8583 financial transaction message
format).
[0024] "Tokenization" is a process by which data is replaced with
substitute data. For example, a payment account identifier (e.g., a
primary account number (PAN)) may be tokenized by replacing the
primary account identifier with a substitute number (e.g., a token)
that may be associated with the payment account identifier.
Further, tokenization may be applied to any other information which
may be replaced with a substitute value (i.e., a token).
[0025] A "token provider computer" can include a computer that that
provides or services tokens. In some embodiments, a token provider
computer can facilitate requesting, determining (e.g., generating)
and/or issuing tokens, as well as maintaining an established
mapping of tokens to credentials such as primary account numbers
(PANs) in a repository (e.g., a token vault). In some embodiments,
the token provider computer may establish a token assurance level
for a given token to indicate the confidence level of the token to
PAN binding. The token provider computer may include or be in
communication with a token vault where the generated tokens are
stored. The token provider computer may support token processing of
payment transactions submitted using tokens by de-tokenizing the
token to obtain the actual PAN.
[0026] A "token vault" may be an example of a token service and can
include a repository that maintains established token mappings. It
may be present in a token provider computer. According to various
embodiments, the token vault may also maintain other attributes of
the token requestor that may be determined at the time of
registration. The attributes may be used by the token provider to
apply domain restrictions or other controls during transaction
processing. In some embodiments, the token vault may be a part of
the token provider. Alternatively, the token vault may be a remote
repository accessible to the token provider. Token vaults, due to
the sensitive nature of the data mappings that are stored and
managed in them, may be protected by strong underlying physical and
logical security.
[0027] "Token exchange" or "de-tokenization" can include a process
of restoring the data that was substituted during tokenization. For
example, a token exchange may include replacing a payment token
with a corresponding primary account number (PAN) that was
associated with the payment token during tokenization of the PAN.
Thus, the de-tokenization may refer to the process of redeeming a
token for the associated PAN value based on a token-to-PAN mapping
stored, for example, in a token vault. The ability to retrieve a
PAN in exchange for the associated token may be restricted to
specifically authorized entities, individuals, applications, or
systems. Further, de-tokenization or token exchange may be applied
to any other information. In some embodiments, token exchange may
be achieved via a transactional message, such as an ISO message, an
application programming interface (API), or another type of web
interface (e.g., web request). Token exchange may also be achieved
via a credential request message, whereby a requesting entity,
which may be a token holder, makes a request to receive a PAN
associated with a token.
[0028] A "communication device" may comprise any suitable device
that can be used for communication. A communication device may
provide remote or direct communication capabilities. Examples of
remote communication capabilities include using a mobile phone
(wireless) network, wireless data network (e.g., 3G, 4G or similar
networks), Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, or any other communication medium that
may provide access to a network such as the Internet or a private
network. Examples of communication devices include desktop
computers, videogame consoles, mobile phones (e.g., cellular
phones), PDAs, tablet computers, net books, laptop computers,
personal music players, hand-held specialized readers, etc. Further
examples of communication devices include wearable devices, such as
smart watches, fitness bands, ankle bracelets, rings, earrings,
etc., as well as automobiles with remote or direct communication
capabilities. A communication device may comprise any suitable
hardware and software for performing such functions, and may also
include multiple devices or components (e.g., when a device has
remote access to a network by tethering to another device--i.e.,
using the other device as a modem--both devices taken together may
be considered a single communication device).
[0029] A "resource provider" may be an entity that can provide
resources.
[0030] Examples of resource providers include merchants,
governmental agencies, etc.
[0031] A "merchant" may typically be an entity that engages in
transactions and can sell goods or services, or provide access to
goods or services.
[0032] An "acquiring entity" is an entity which can come into
possession of something. An acquiring entity may be a business
entity (e.g., a commercial bank) that has a business relationship
with a particular merchant or other entity. An acquiring entity may
operate an acquiring entity computer, which may be generically
referred to as a "transport computer."
[0033] An "authorizing entity" is an entity which can authorize or
approve interactions. An authorizing entity may typically refer to
a business entity (e.g., a bank) that maintains an account for a
user and is capable of authorizing interactions such as payment
transactions, for example the purchase of goods or services.
[0034] An "authorization request message" may be an electronic
message that requests authorization for a transaction. In some
embodiments, it is sent to a transaction processing computer and/or
an issuer of a payment card to request authorization for a
transaction. An authorization request message according to some
embodiments may comply with ISO 8583, which is a standard for
systems that exchange electronic transaction information associated
with a payment made by a user using a payment device or payment
account. The authorization request message may include an issuer
account identifier that may be associated with a payment device or
payment account. An authorization request message may also comprise
additional data elements corresponding to "identification
information" including, by way of example only: a service code, a
CVV (card verification value), a dCVV (dynamic card verification
value), a PAN (primary account number or "account number"), a
payment token, a user name, an expiration date, etc. An
authorization request message may also comprise "transaction
information," such as any information associated with a current
transaction, such as the transaction amount, merchant identifier,
merchant location, acquirer bank identification number (BIN), card
acceptor ID, information identifying items being purchased, etc.,
as well as any other information that may be utilized in
determining whether to identify and/or authorize a transaction.
[0035] An "authorization response message" may be a message that
responds to an authorization request. In some cases, it may be an
electronic message reply to an authorization request message
generated by an issuing financial institution or a transaction
processing computer. The authorization response message may
include, by way of example only, one or more of the following
status indicators: Approval--transaction was approved;
Decline--transaction was not approved; or Call Center--response
pending more information, merchant must call the toll-free
authorization phone number. The authorization response message may
also include an authorization code, which may be a code that a
credit card issuing bank returns in response to an authorization
request message in an electronic message (either directly or
through the transaction processing computer) to the merchant's
access device (e.g., POS equipment) that indicates approval of the
transaction. The code may serve as proof of authorization.
[0036] A "server computer" may include a powerful computer or
cluster of computers. For example, the server computer can be a
large mainframe, a minicomputer cluster, or a group of servers
functioning as a unit. In one example, the server computer may be a
database server coupled to a Web server. The server computer may
comprise one or more computational apparatuses and may use any of a
variety of computing structures, arrangements, and compilations for
servicing the requests from one or more client computers.
[0037] A "memory" may be any suitable device or devices that can
store electronic data. A suitable memory may comprise a
non-transitory computer readable medium that stores instructions
that can be executed by a processor to implement a desired method.
Examples of memories may comprise one or more memory chips, disk
drives, etc. Such memories may operate using any suitable
electrical, optical, and/or magnetic mode of operation.
[0038] A "processor" may refer to any suitable data computation
device or devices. A processor may comprise one or more
microprocessors working together to accomplish a desired function.
The processor may include a CPU that comprises at least one
high-speed data processor adequate to execute program components
for executing user and/or system-generated requests. The CPU may be
a microprocessor such as AMD's Athlon, Duron and/or Opteron; IBM
and/or Motorola's PowerPC; IBM's and Sony's Cell processor; Intel's
Celeron, Itanium, Pentium, Xeon, and/or XScale; and/or the like
processor(s).
[0039] FIG. 1 shows a system 100 comprising a number of components.
The system 100 comprises a communication device 104 operated by a
user 102 as well as a token provider computer 106, an authorizing
entity computer 108, a transport computer 110, a content provider
computer 112, and one or more resource provider computers 114. All
of these entities, providers, and devices may be in operative
communication with each other over a communications network
116.
[0040] This communications network can take the form of any
suitable communication network, which may be any one and/or the
combination of the following: a direct interconnection; the
Internet; a Local Area Network (LAN); a Metropolitan Area Network
(MAN); an Operating Missions as Nodes on the Internet (OMNI); a
secured custom connection; a Wide Area Network (WAN); a wireless
network (e.g., employing protocols such as, but not limited to a
Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), I-mode, and/or the like);
and/or the like.
[0041] Messages between the entities, providers, networks, and
devices may be transmitted using a secure communications protocols
such as, but not limited to, File Transfer Protocol (FTP);
HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP); Secure Hypertext Transfer
Protocol (HTTPS), Secure Socket Layer (SSL), ISO (e.g., ISO 8583)
and/or the like.
[0042] FIG. 2 shows an example of a communication device 104
according to some embodiments of the invention. Communication
device 104 may include circuitry that is used to enable certain
device functions, such as telephony. The functional elements
responsible for enabling those functions may include a processor
104A that can execute instructions that implement the functions and
operations of the device. Processor 104A may access data storage
104E (or another suitable memory region or element) to retrieve
instructions or data used in executing the instructions, such as
provisioning scripts and mobile applications. Data input/output
elements 104C, such as a keyboard or touchscreen, may be used to
enable a user to operate the communication device 104 and input
data (e.g., user input data). Data input/output elements may also
be configured to output data (via a speaker, for example). Display
104B may also be used to output data to a user. Communications
element 104D may be used to enable data transfer between
communication device 104 and a wired or wireless network (via
antenna 104H, for example), enable data transfer functions, and may
be used to assist in connectivity to the Internet or another
network. Communication device 104 may also include contactless
element interface 104F to enable data transfer between contactless
element 104G and other elements of the device, where contactless
element 104G may include a secure memory and a near field
communications data transfer element (or another form of short
range communications technology). As noted, a cellular phone or
similar device is an example of a communication device 104 that may
be used in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention.
[0043] The data storage 140E may comprise a computer readable
medium comprising code, executable by the processor 104A to
implement a method comprising: initiating generation of an
interaction token based at least upon the user input data;
initiating a search from among one or more resource provider
computers for the resource over the time period, wherein the search
selects a specific resource provider associated with a specific
resource provider computer from among the one or more resource
provider computers, the specific resource provider providing the
resource at a specific value; determining whether the specific
value is less than or equal to the interaction value; and
initiating transmitting the interaction token and a resource
provider identifier for the specific resource provider computer to
a token provider computer, wherein the token provider computer
processes the transaction using the interaction token.
[0044] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram showing basic components that
may reside in an exemplary token provider computer 106. The token
provider computer 106 may form part of a payment processing network
in some embodiments of the invention. The token provider computer
106 comprises a processor 106A, a network interface 106B, an
interaction token database 106C, and a computer readable medium
106D.
[0045] The computer readable medium 106D may comprise an
interaction token generation module 106E, an interaction token
association module 106F, a provisioning module 106G, and a
communication module 106H. It may also comprise code, executable by
the processor 106A for implementing a method comprising: receiving,
by a token provider computer from a communication device, an
interaction token request message comprising user input data
comprising a resource identifier for a resource, a time period to
acquire the resource, and an interaction value; analyzing the user
input data; determining, by the token provider computer, an
interaction token based on the user input data; and transmitting,
by the token provider computer, the interaction token to the
communication device.
[0046] The interaction token generation module 106E may comprise
code that causes the processor 106A to generate an interaction
token. In some embodiments, the interaction token may include 16
digits and may resemble a PAN.
[0047] The interaction token association module 106F may comprise
code that causes the processor 106A to associate an interaction
token with other user data (e.g., e-mail addresses, telephone
numbers, primary account numbers, etc.). For example, the
interaction token association module 106F may contain logic that
causes the processor 106A to link a generated interaction token
with received user input data, and to store the information in the
interaction token database 106C.
[0048] The provisioning module 106G may comprise code that causes
the processor 106A to provision interaction tokens. For example,
the provisioning module 106G may contain logic that causes the
processor 106A to generate provisioning scripts, and to provide the
provisioning scripts, an interaction token, and any other suitable
information to a communication device.
[0049] The communication module 106H may comprise code that causes
the processor 106A to generates messages, reformat messages, and/or
otherwise communicate with other entities. For example, the
communication module 106H may contain logic that causes the
processor 106A to identify an interaction token in a received
authorization request message, reformat the authorization request
message so that the interaction token is replaced with a user
identifier, and forward the authorization request message to an
authorization entity computer.
[0050] A block diagram of an authorizing entity computer 108,
according to some embodiments of the invention, is shown in FIG. 4.
The authorizing entity 108 comprises a processor 108A, a network
interface 108B, an identifier database 108C, and a computer
readable medium 108D.
[0051] The computer readable medium 108D may comprise a
de-tokenization module 108E, a communication module 108F, an
authorization module 108G, a risk analysis module 108H, an
encryption module 108I, and any other suitable software
modules.
[0052] The de-tokenization module 108E may comprise code that
causes the processor 108A to de-tokenize interaction tokens. For
example, the de-tokenization module 108E may contain logic that
causes the processor 108A to identify real credentials associated
with an interaction token, such as a PAN. In some embodiments, the
de-tokenization module 108E may be able to query a token provider
computer for real credentials associated with an interaction
token.
[0053] The communication module 108F may comprise code that causes
the processor 108A to generate messages, reformat messages, and/or
otherwise communicate with other entities.
[0054] The authorization module 108G may comprise code that causes
the processor 108A to perform authorization processing. For
example, the authorization module 108G may contain logic that
causes the processor 108A to approve or decline authorization
request messages.
[0055] The risk analysis module 108H may comprise code that causes
the processor 108A to analyze the risk of a transaction or the risk
of providing an interaction token to a particular communication
device. For example, the risk analysis module 108H may contain
logic that causes the processor 108A to determine risk levels
associated with de-tokenizing an interaction token, authorizing an
interaction token, and/or authorizing an interaction.
[0056] The encryption module 108I may comprise code that causes the
processor 110A to encrypt data. For example, the encryption module
108I may contain logic that causes the processor 108A to encrypt a
real credential (e.g., a PAN).
[0057] A method 800 according to embodiments of the invention can
be described with respect to FIGS. 5A and 5B. Some elements in
other Figures are also referred to. The steps shown in the method
800 may be performed sequentially or in any suitable order in
embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, one or more of
the steps may be optional.
[0058] The various messages in FIGS. 5A and 5B may use any suitable
form of communication. In some embodiments, a request or response
may be in an electronic message format, such as an e-mail, a short
messaging service (SMS) message, a multimedia messaging service
(MMS) message, a hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) request
message, a transmission control protocol (TCP) packet, and a web
form submission. The request or response may be directed to any
suitable location, such as an e-mail address, a telephone number,
an internet protocol (IP) address, or a uniform resource locator
(URL). In some embodiments, a request or response may comprise a
mix of different message types, such as both email and SMS
messages.
[0059] At step S1, the user 102 may input user input data into a
communication device 104. The user input data may include one or
more of the following: a user identifier, a resource identifier, an
interaction value, an interaction value threshold, a time period in
which to acquire that resource, and/or a list of resource
providers. For example, a user 102 may input a phone number such as
"451-999-9999" and/or an account identifier (e.g., a credit card
number) as one or more user identifiers, a "wireless speaker" as a
resource identifier, an amount of money, such as "$100.00," that
the user 102 is willing to pay for the resource as an interaction
value, an amount of money such as "$10.00" as an interaction value
threshold, a time period such as "7 days," and a list of merchants
such as "Best Buy.TM., Fry's Electronics.TM., and Walmart.TM." as
the list of potential resource providers.
[0060] The interaction value may indicate the preferred value the
user 102 associates with the selected resource. The interaction
value threshold may indicate any additional value, which the user
may be willing to provide for the resource. Illustratively, a user
102 may input a resource identifier such as "wireless speaker," an
interaction value of "$100.00" and an interaction value threshold
of "$10.00" into the communication device 104. This may indicate
that the user 102 is willing to pay $100.00 for a wireless speaker,
and under certain circumstances, may be willing to pay up to
$110.00 (the sum of the interaction value and threshold) for the
wireless speaker. By implication, the user 102 is unwilling to pay
more than $110.00 for the wireless speaker.
[0061] At step S2, the communication device 104 may transmit a
request for an interaction token and the user information (e.g., an
e-mail address) to a token provider computer 106. The request will
initiate the interaction token generation process. This request may
include the user input data from step S1.
[0062] In some embodiments, at step S3, after receiving and
analyzing the request and user input data from the communication
device 104, the token provider computer 106 may transmit a token
approval request message to an authorizing entity computer 108. The
authorizing entity computer 108 may hold a real account with funds
that can be held by the user 102, and that may be used to fund the
interaction token. The token approval request message could include
the user input data, including a real credential (e.g., a PAN)
transmitted in step S2. In other embodiments, an alias for the real
credential is sent instead of the real credential. The alias for
the real credential may be used to identify the real credential,
which may be stored at the authorizing entity computer 108.
[0063] At step S4, after receiving the token approval request
message, the authorizing entity computer 108 may review the user
input data in the token approval request message. This may involve
the authorizing entity computer 108 evaluating the token approval
request message using its processor 108A, its identifier database
108C, and the modules stored on its computer readable medium 108D.
More specifically, the authorizing entity computer 108 may compare
the one or more user identifiers (e.g., a real credential such as a
PAN, a phone number, etc.) received in the token approval request
message to user identifiers stored in the identifier database 108C
to determine if the received one or more user identifiers matches
an existing record in the identifier database 108C. The authorizing
entity computer 108 may further analyze the user input data using
its risk analysis module 108H. For example, the identified resource
and interaction value in the token approval request message may be
compared to data from the user's previous purchases. If the
interaction value is uncharacteristically high relative to the
user's past purchases, or if the resource is an uncharacteristic
purchase for the user 102, then the authorizing entity computer 108
may flag the interaction as suspicious, and may then decline the
token approval request message.
[0064] In addition, the authorizing entity computer 108 may
determine if the authorizing entity computer 108 has sufficient
funds to fund the requested interaction token. If the user input
data includes an account number such as a credit or debit card
account number, the authorizing entity computer 108 may determine
if the user's account has sufficient funds or credit to fund the
obligation for the interaction token. If there are sufficient funds
or credit in the user's account, then a hold may be placed on the
user's account for the value of the interaction token, plus any
additional threshold amount.
[0065] Step S4 may further involve the authorizing entity computer
108 searching the identifier database 108C for any value reduction
elements associated with the user identifier. These value reduction
elements could correspond to rewards, coupons, or loyalty points
associated with the user's account. Information regarding any such
value reduction elements may then be transmitted from the
authorizing entity computer 108 to the token provider computer 106.
If the value reduction elements are points offered by the
authorizing entity computer 108, the value of the interaction token
could be raised by the token provider computer 108, since any
transaction conducted could use those points as currency. For
example, a value reduction element such as loyalty points with
value totaling $10.00 could be used to increase the value of an
interaction token from $100.00 to $110.00
[0066] At step S5, after the authorizing entity computer 108
analyzes the user input data, the authorizing entity computer 108
may transmit the token approval response message to the token
provider computer 106. After receiving the token approval response
message, the token provider computer 106 may generate an
interaction token if the authorizing entity computer 108
approves.
[0067] The authorizing entity computer 108 may place a hold on the
user's account for the value of the interaction token approved by
the authorizing entity computer 108. For example, if the account of
the user has a $1000 credit availability, then the credit
availability may be decreased by $100 to $900 to account for the
value of the interaction token that was approved by the authorizing
entity computer 108.
[0068] At step S6, the token provider computer 106, having received
the token approval response message, can encrypt the generated
interaction token before transmitting it to the communication
device 104. The encryption key that is used to encrypted the
interaction token may be a symmetric key shared with the
communication device 104, or a public key of a public-private key
pair, where the communication device 104 holds the public key. In
some embodiments, the symmetric key may be derived from information
associated with the user 102 (e.g., account information associated
with the user). In this case, the actual symmetric keys need not be
transported between the communication device 104 and the token
provider computer 106, but may be independently derived by these
devices.
[0069] At step S7, the token provider computer 106 may transmit the
encrypted interaction token to the communication device 104. Then,
at step S8, the communication device 104 may store the interaction
token in its memory 104E or its secure memory element 104G.
[0070] At step S9, the communication device 104 may transmit a
request for further value reduction elements to the content
provider computer 112, or any other content provider computers.
This request may include some of the user input data, such as the
identification of the resource to be acquired and the user provided
list of resource providers, as well as the predetermined list of
resource providers. Examples of content providers that might
operate the content provider computer 112 may include coupon
aggregators such as Groupon.TM., merchants such as Walmart.TM.,
and/or product manufacturers such as Lenovo.TM.. These additional
value reduction elements may be used to reduce the price of the
resource to be obtained. The may be submitted to the resource
provider computer 114 in a transaction request message, and the
resource provider computer 114 may apply the value reduction to the
purchase price of the resource.
[0071] At step S10, the content provider computer 112 may search
through the content database 112C for value reduction elements
based on the request for value reduction elements. This search may
involve querying the content database 112C using a relational or
SQL-style query, or any other query method which may provide data
which meets a certain set of characteristics or conditions. Such
value reduction elements may take the form of coupon codes,
discounts, or temporary price changes such as sales.
[0072] At step S11, the content provider computer 112 may transmit
an indication of any additional value reduction elements to the
communication device 104. This indication may include any sort of
code or identifier which is associated with the additional value
reduction elements, or a message indicating an assurance that value
reduction elements exist. For example, a resource provider, such as
an online merchant, may have a coupon code such as "1094014." The
content provider 112 may transmit this code and a merchant or
resource identifier to the communication device 104. In some cases,
there may be a value reduction element that will be passively
applied to the resource transfer. As an example, a merchant may
have a 25% off sale. In this case, the content provider 112 may
transmit a message to the communication device 104 which indicates
that a value reduction element of 25% exists.
[0073] At step S12, the communication device 104 may store value
reduction elements that it may have received in step S11 in a
memory element in the communication device 104. As an example, if
the user 102 obtained a value reduction element such as a coupon
for "$10.00" off of the resource to be acquired, then the processor
104A may store the coupon in memory such that it may be applied
later when the purchasing decision has been made by the
communication device 104.
[0074] At step S13, the communication device 104 may search for a
specific resource provider from among the resource providers
operating the resource provider computers 114 to obtain the desired
resource. For example, the communication device 104 may perform a
Web search using a search engine in order to determine the specific
resource provider. The communication device 104 may also, over the
communication network 116, directly communicate with the resource
providers 114 and query them for information appropriate to the
search.
[0075] As an example, consider a resource such as a "wireless
speaker," an interaction value of "$100.00," and an interaction
value threshold of "$10.00." The search of step S13 may involve the
communication device 104 searching using a search engine, or by
directly querying each merchant from among a list of merchants for
a "wireless speaker" which costs less than "$110.00" (the sum of
the interaction value and interaction value threshold), and which
ideally costs less than "$100.00" (the interaction value). The
merchants may respond by transmitting the price (a specific value)
at which they are willing to provide the resource to the user
102.
[0076] At step S14 the communication device 104 may evaluate the
results of the search in order to determine a specific resource
provider from among the resource providers operating the resource
provider computers 114. This may involve the communication device
104 performing a logical operation, using the processor 104A, which
selects a specific resource provider based on the interaction
value, interaction value threshold, and the results of the
search.
[0077] In some embodiments, the communication device 104 may first
compare each of the specific values produced by the search of step
S13 in order to find the lowest value among the specific values.
The communication device 104 may then determine if the specific
value is less than the interaction value, or if not, if the
specific value is less than the sum of the interaction value and
the interaction value threshold. The communication device 104 may
also take into account other factors such as delivery time when
deciding on which resource provider to select.
[0078] The communication device 104 may proceed differently
depending on the results of the evaluation of step S14. For
example, if the communication device 104 determines that the lowest
specific value resource provider is willing to provide the resource
at a specific value less than the interaction value, then the
communication device 104 may conclude that it is appropriate to
initiate a resource transfer between the user 102 and the specific
resource provider. If the communication device 104 determines that
lowest specific value resource provider is willing to provide the
resource at a specific value less than the sum of the interaction
value and the interaction value threshold, but greater than the
interaction value itself, the communication device 104 may conclude
that it is appropriate to seek approval for the resource transfer
from the user 102. If the communication device 104 determines that
the lowest specific value resource provider is unwilling to provide
the resource at a specific value less than the sum of the
interaction value and the interaction value threshold, then the
communication device 104 may conclude that it is not possible at
this time to proceed with a resource transfer.
[0079] If the communication device 104 determines that it is not
possible to proceed with a resource transfer, it may evaluate the
time limit input by the user 102. This evaluation might involve
using the communication device processor 104A to determine the
difference between the current time and the time when the user
input was received (the "elapsed time"). This difference may be
compared to the time limit provided with the user input. If the
elapsed time exceeds the time limit, the communication device 104
may determine that the interaction token has exceeded its lifespan
and can no longer be used to purchase the desired resource. If this
is the case, the communication device 104 may not need to proceed
with steps S15-S31. If the communication device 104 determines that
the elapsed time does not exceed the time limit, it may repeat the
search process of step S13 and the evaluation process of step S14
until the elapsed time exceeds the time limit specified by the
user.
[0080] At step S15, the communication device 104 make a request to
the user 102 based on the results of the evaluation performed at
step S14. If the search and evaluation resulted in selecting a
resource provider willing to provide the resource at a value less
than the interaction value, the message may simply indicate to the
user 102 that a resource transfer, using the interaction token, is
being conducted with the identified resource provider on their
behalf at a specific price. This message may be displayed to the
user 102 as text or images on the communication device display
104B, or communicated to the user 102 via another appropriate
method.
[0081] If the communication device 104 determined that the specific
resource provider is willing to provide the resource for a specific
value greater than the interaction value, but less than the sum of
the interaction value and the threshold value, then the
communication device 104 may request that the user 102 approve of
the resource transfer.
[0082] At step S16, the user 102 may input a reply to the message
into the communication device 104. As an example, if the
communication device 104 transmitted a message requesting approval
for the resource transfer, the user 102 may use the communication
device data input/output 104C in order to indicate approval of the
resource transfer. This could be accomplished using any appropriate
user input device, such as buttons, a touch screen, or a
keyboard.
[0083] At step S17 the communication device 104 may transmit a
transaction request message, which includes the interaction token,
to the specific resource provider computer 114. The transaction
request message may also comprise any obtained value reduction
elements that may be appropriately passed to the resource provider
computer 114. The transaction request message may indicate to the
specific resource provider associated with the resource provider
computer 114 that the user 102 wishes to acquire the resource and
wishes to provide the interaction token to pay for the resource. In
some embodiments, the interaction token may be a 16 digit ISO 8583
compliant interaction token. As an illustration, the transaction
request message may indicate that the user 102, a consumer, wishes
to purchase a resource such as a wireless speaker, and is providing
the interaction token as a payment credential. The transaction
request message may also comprise a shipping address of the user
102, and any other pertinent information necessary to complete the
transfer of the desired resource.
[0084] At step S18, after the resource provider computer 114
receives the transaction request message, the specific resource
provider associated with the resource provider computer 114 may
evaluate the message. In some embodiments, the resource provider
computer 114 may generate an authorization request message
comprising the interaction token and the amount of the resource to
be acquired.
[0085] At step S19, the resource provider computer 114 may transmit
the authorization request message to the transport computer 110. At
step S20, the transport computer 110 may evaluate the message sent
from the resource provider computer 114, and may route it to the
token provider computer 106.
[0086] At step S21, the transport computer 110 may transmit the
authorization request message to the token provider computer 106.
At step S22, after the authorization request message is received by
the token provider computer 106, the token provider computer 106
may de-tokenize the received interaction token in order to
determine the real account credential (e.g., a PAN) 108 associated
with the interaction token. This may involve querying the
interaction token database 106C for data entries matching the
provided interaction token. The token provider computer 106 may
also check to see if the transaction that is being conducted is
consistent with the constraints set for the interaction token. For
instance, if the interaction token is authorized for a specific
dollar limit, then the token provider computer 106 may compare the
transaction amount in the authorization request message with the
dollar limit used to generate the interaction token. If the
transaction is not consistent with the interaction token
constraints, the token provider computer 106 may decline the
transaction and may communicate this to the transport computer 110
and the resource provider computer 114.
[0087] At step S23, if the interaction token satisfies the
constraints for the interaction token, the token provider computer
106 may modify the authorization request message to include the
real credential, rather than the interaction token. The modified
authorization request message may then be sent to the authorizing
entity computer 108.
[0088] At step S24, after receiving the modified authorization
request message, the authorizing entity computer 108 may determine
whether or not the transaction is authorized. It may, for example,
check to see if the account balance or available credit limit of
the account associated with the real credential is greater than the
transaction amount in the authorization request message. It may
also perform fraud checks and other transaction analyses.
[0089] At step S25 the authorizing entity computer 108 may generate
and transmit an authorization response message to the token
provider computer 106.
[0090] At step S26, after receiving the authorization response
message from the authorizing entity computer, the token provider
computer 106 may transmit the authorization response message to the
transport computer 110. In some embodiments, the real credential in
the authorization response message may be replaced with the
interaction token by the token provider computer 106, before it is
forwarded on to the transport computer 110.
[0091] At step S27, the transport computer 110 may determine which
resource provider computer 114 is associated with the authorization
response message. At step S28, the transport computer 110 may
transmit the authorization response message to the resource
provider computer 114.
[0092] At step S29, the specific resource provider associated with
the resource provider computer 114 may initiate transfer of the
resource to the user 102. For example, if the resource provider is
an online merchant, and the resource is a good such as a wireless
speaker, the merchant may begin the process of shipping the good to
the user 102.
[0093] At a later point in time, a settlement and clearing process
may occur between the authorizing entity computer 108, the
transport computer 110, and an intermediate payment processing
network. The payment processing network may operate or contain the
token provider computer 106.
[0094] Embodiments of the invention have a number of advantages. As
stated previously, conventional interaction token systems could be
improved to be more secure, more economical, and more convenient to
consumers.
[0095] Embodiments of the invention provide for interaction tokens
that have a narrow token-domain. They have a defined resource to be
acquired, value, and time limit. If a hacker, malicious user, or
thief somehow illegally acquires an interaction token according to
embodiments of the invention, they have a finite amount of time to
purchase the good the user wishes to purchase, at the price set by
the user, for the user. This is a considerable advantage over
conventional token schemes, where tokens can be used as a direct
substitute for a PAN and could be used for potentially any
purchase.
[0096] Additionally, embodiments of the invention provide for
additional convenience to users by initiating resource transfers
automatically. With embodiments of the invention, a user does not
need to actively search through dozens of resource providers to
find the resource they need at a price they are willing to pay.
They can simply input the resource, a time limit, and an
interaction value into a communication device. The communication
device can then automatically and continuously search for the
resource and automatically initiate a resource transfer when it is
found. This reduces the time and energy necessary to acquire
resources.
[0097] A computer system will now be described that may be used to
implement any of the entities or components described herein.
Subsystems in the computer system are interconnected via a system
bus. Additional subsystems include a printer, a keyboard, a fixed
disk, and a monitor which can be coupled to a display adapter.
Peripherals and input/output (I/O) devices, which can couple to an
I/O controller, can be connected to the computer system by any
number of means known in the art, such as a serial port. For
example, a serial port or external interface can be used to connect
the computer apparatus to a wide area network such as the Internet,
a mouse input device, or a scanner. The interconnection via system
bus allows the central processor to communicate with each subsystem
and to control the execution of instructions from system memory or
the fixed disk, as well as the exchange of information between
subsystems. The system memory and/or the fixed disk may embody a
computer-readable medium.
[0098] As described, the inventive service may involve implementing
one or more functions, processes, operations or method steps. In
some embodiments, the functions, processes, operations or method
steps may be implemented as a result of the execution of a set of
instructions or software code by a suitably-programmed computing
device, microprocessor, data processor, or the like. The set of
instructions or software code may be stored in a memory or other
form of data storage element which is accessed by the computing
device, microprocessor, etc. In other embodiments, the functions,
processes, operations or method steps may be implemented by
firmware or a dedicated processor, integrated circuit, etc.
[0099] Any of the software components or functions described in
this application may be implemented as software code to be executed
by a processor using any suitable computer language such as, for
example, Java, C++ or Perl using, for example, conventional or
object-oriented techniques. The software code may be stored as a
series of instructions, or commands on a computer-readable medium,
such as a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a
magnetic medium such as a hard-drive or a floppy disk, or an
optical medium such as a CD-ROM. Any such computer-readable medium
may reside on or within a single computational apparatus, and may
be present on or within different computational apparatuses within
a system or network.
[0100] While certain exemplary embodiments have been described in
detail and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be
understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not
intended to be restrictive of the broad invention, and that this
invention is not to be limited to the specific arrangements and
constructions shown and described, since various other
modifications may occur to those with ordinary skill in the
art.
[0101] As used herein, the use of "a", "an" or "the" is intended to
mean "at least one", unless specifically indicated to the
contrary.
* * * * *